I was lucky enough to serve the homeless last week, and it was a revelation. The joy we had passing out lunches far surpassed any gift I could have received. The people lining up for food were glad to see us, but it was the delight in the faces of the ones giving that made the most impression on me. Parents brought their children, teaching them a lesson in the value of serving. It was a pleasure to see their excited faces as they handed a sack lunch to an adult who needed one.

Around the holidays people’s hearts turn to giving in a way that doesn’t happen as much the rest of the year. Not that we mean to forget, but we all get busy, and life gets in the way. Jesus said if we do for one of these, it’s as if we do for Him. I’m embarrassed to say I’m guilty of putting my head down and missing opportunities to help. I pray I can remember to serve others more than I serve myself in the coming year, andI know it will take an effort on my part.

It may take a scheduling change to make it happen, but whatever it takes, I want to be a part of something that makes a difference. I’ve been bitten by the serving bug and I want more. More of the camaraderie we felt making one-thousand lunches, more of the excitement in handing them out, and more of the joy we saw on the faces of those who received.

Serving is like giving; the pipeline absorbs the blessing. If you’re in need of a blessing, serve another. Let’s see what happens.